Evaluation of a Specific Transdermal Cannabidiol Product for Chronic Musculoskeletal Joint Pain.

Introduction and Rationale

Currently, the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. Use of opioids for chronic pain are a large component of this crisis. If alternative means can be developed to treat chronic pain that can replace the use of opioid-based treatments, this can improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Arthritis and musculoskeletal pain are often chronic conditions that cause significant morbidity. Historically, one study estimated that the lifetime incidence is as high as 47% for osteoarthritis over the lifespan, increasing with age and also increasing to 60% with a body mass index over than 30. In our society today with over 50% of the population suffering from obesity, this is a significant problem.

While cannabis products have been referenced for treating numerous medical issues including a number of pain-related conditions, it has only been recently that mechanisms outside the central nervous system have been recognized. There is very little published in regards to the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of arthritic pain, and even less on the topical application of CBD products in its use in this manner. Two previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of a local/transdermal application of CBD in rodent models of arthritis. Activity at the TRPV2 receptor is one possible mechanism for this putative mechanism. Another possible interaction is at the GPR55 receptor.

The earliest known references to the medicinal properties of cannabis can be found in the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing", which describe Chinese uses of herbal remedies from as early as 2700 BC. In later compilations of this work, cannabis is described as being utilized for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Since that time, cannabis has been used world-wide both medicinally and for recreational purposes. It has only been a recent development (within the past 100 years) that public health regulations have prohibited the use of cannabis products.